Fox Cleans House: Alert: Missing Persons Unit and The Cleaning Lady Both Get the Axe

Say Goodbye to Crime, Drama, and Possibly Your Favorite Characters

If you thought your favorite crime-fighting duos were safe, think again. Fox just dropped a double bombshell, canceling not one but two fan-favorite series—The Cleaning Lady and Alert: Missing Persons Unit. Yep, the network has done some spring cleaning of its own, and these dramas didn’t make the cut. Whether you were invested in Thony’s morally grey scrubbing adventures or glued to the search-and-rescue antics of Philly’s Missing Persons Unit, it's time to find a new obsession.

So, what led to this network housecleaning? In this article, we’ll break down the reasons behind Fox’s cancellations, take a look at the shows’ impact, and maybe even help you figure out what to binge next (you know, after the grieving process). Let’s unpack the drama behind the dramas.

The Cleaning Lady: Mops Down After Four Seasons

Fox’s The Cleaning Lady had a strong start when it debuted in January 2022. Based on the Argentine series La Chica Que Limpia, the show centered around Thony De La Rosa (played by Élodie Yung), an undocumented immigrant and former surgeon who turns to cleaning—and, oh yeah, working for a crime syndicate—to save her son’s life.

The series was praised for its layered storytelling, high-stakes plot twists, and representation of marginalized communities. But behind the scenes, tragedy struck. Adan Canto, who portrayed Thony’s criminal ally Arman, passed away from cancer after Season 2. The loss created a major narrative void, and while Season 3 and 4 tried to pivot, the show never quite regained its footing.

Despite strong fan support and critical acclaim, the ratings just couldn’t keep up. With viewership dipping and creative struggles piling up, Fox quietly aired Season 4’s finale on June 3, 2025—and then pulled the plug.

Alert: Missing Persons Unit: Lost and Not Found

If The Cleaning Lady was all about shades of grey, Alert: Missing Persons Unit was Fox’s attempt at a procedural with heart—and high-stakes mystery. The show launched in January 2023 with a big name behind it: Jamie Foxx. Co-created by Foxx and John Eisendrath (The Blacklist), the show starred Scott Caan and Dania Ramirez as detectives in Philadelphia’s elite unit tasked with tracking down missing people in 48 hours or less.

Fast-paced and emotionally charged, Alert tried to be a little bit CSI, a little bit This Is Us. It even pulled decent numbers in its first season. But by the end of its third and final run, which wrapped on May 27, 2025, the magic had faded. Critics weren’t sold, the buzz was low, and viewers just weren’t tuning in the way Fox hoped.

So, the alert has been called off—for good.

Why Did Fox Cancel Both Shows?

Let’s be honest: network TV isn’t what it used to be. In a world dominated by streaming giants and limited series that drop all at once, a weekly procedural has to work extra hard to stay relevant. Fox is clearly in a reset mode, opting for leaner programming strategies (and maybe a few reality show spin-offs… we’re not judging).

While neither show was a total flop, they weren't breakout hits either. Low ratings, rising production costs, and a shifting TV landscape likely sealed their fate. And let’s not forget that Adan Canto’s tragic passing left The Cleaning Lady in narrative limbo. In short: the writing was on the blood-smeared wall.

What’s Next for Fans?

Heartbroken? Understandable. But hey, the beauty of TV is there's always more to watch. If you're a Cleaning Lady fan, check out other gritty, morally complex dramas like Queen of the South or Breaking Bad. Missing Alert already? Dive into Criminal Minds reruns or give Tracker a shot (Justin Hartley in a tight Henley doesn’t hurt either).

Fox’s Cleaning Spree Leaves Fans in the Lurch

In a move that has disappointed loyal fans, Fox has officially canceled The Cleaning Lady and Alert: Missing Persons Unit, pulling the plug on two shows that, for a brief time, made procedural dramas feel fresh again. While both series had their ups and downs, they brought unique voices to network television—and they’ll definitely be missed.

So what do you think? Did Fox make a huge mistake, or was it time to move on? Sound off on social media, fire up your streaming queue, and maybe pour one out for Thony and the MPU team. It’s the end of an era—but the remote’s still in your hand.

What do you think?

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